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Racing cars for Germany to be built by VW in Kariega
South Africa is exporting one of its most successful racing formulas to Germany.
- Industry News
- 7 February 2025
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the facelift of the GLS with a number of new design features, upgraded equipment and a fully electrified engine portfolio with 48-volt technology.
What’s new?
The latest Mercedes-Benz GLS models come with a more aggressive looking radiator grille. The four louvres are galvanised in high-quality Silver Shadow. It features integrated air inlet grilles, combined with a surround in high-gloss black. It features a redesigned under-guard. New 20-inch multi-spoke light alloy wheels will carry the GLS.
When it comes to the interior of the new Mercedes-Benz GLS, you’re welcomed by the highest quality of detail and comfort. It is available with a wide range of interior trim finishes and will bolster two new leather colours.
The infotainment system, MBUX, in the Mercedes-Benz GLS brings a new look for the displays. The displays can be individualised with the help of three different styles (classic, sporty and discreet) and has three modes (Navigation, Assistance and Service).
The “classic” is mainly for the driver opting for familiar content between the two displays. “Sporty” is dominated by the colour red, a dynamic design for the central rev counter. In “discreet” style, the content is reduced to what is essential.
The GLS also has a voice assistant that can be activated without the keyword “Hey Mercedes”, it features the latest steering wheel generation with touch controls on the spokes and these are just a few of the features on the Mercedes-Benz GLS range.
The "Off-Road Mode" in the current MBUX generation turns special content such as gradient, lateral inclination, compass and steering angle into a visual experience. Thanks to the standard Parking Package with 360-degree camera, it offers the "transparent bonnet" function. When the Offroad mode is active, the central display shows a virtual view under the front of the vehicle, which is very helpful when avoiding potholes.
Model Range: Power and Acceleration 0-100 km/h:
GLS 450 4MATIC: 280kW / 6.1 seconds
GLS 580 4MATIC: 380kW /4.9 seconds
GLS 350 d 4MATIC: 230kW / 6.7 seconds
GLS 450 d 4MATIC: 270kW / 6.1 seconds
The upgraded Mercedes-Benz GLS will be available in Q4 2023/ Q1 2024 for South African customers. However, it has not yet been confirmed which Mercedes-Benz GLS models will be available for the South African market.
Volkswagen has added two new derivatives to its T-Cross line-up for the 2025 model year. The T-Cross has been the best-selling Volkswagen SUV with over 36 000 cars sold since its launch in 2019.
Volkswagen found a gap in it SUV line-up between the range-topping Touareg and the Tiguan and will fill it with its new Tayron set to arrive locally in the second half of 2025 when pricing and engine specifications will be announced. The Tayron will launch with two equipment lines - Life and R-Line.
If you think Golf in South Africa, you think GTI or even the quicker Golf R. Volkswagen, however, has just introduced a new entry-level Golf consisting of four models slotting in below its twin performance siblings.